BY MAUREEN MARIE BELMONTE

More than just gathering over 700 individuals composed of its roster of prized talents and distinguished guests for a night of merriment and glamour under one roof, the 11th Star Magic Ball became a celebration and an avenue of honoring unparalleled passion, notable contributions and worthy causes.

Held at the Makati Shangri-La Hotel on September 30, the event began with over 300 artists and distinguished guests sashaying their stylish gowns and suits at the Star Magic Ball red carpet. Star Magic Ball “mainstay” Martin Nievera kept the crowd’s energy on top as the master of ceremonies, who even graciously lent his voice for a performance of Sammy Davis’ hit “Once In A Lifetime” at the beginning of the program.

What made this year’s ball exceptional was the fact that it’s also a commemoration of Star Magic’s 25-year journey in discovering and bringing out the country’s finest and world-class talents.

Apart from the attendees and the ensembles, fans tuned in for the stunners who luckily took home the coveted special awards during the night. Among them were Kathryn Bernardo who took home the Pond’s Brightest Star of the Night while Julia Barretto was hailed as the Pond’s Bell of the Ball. Pinoy Big Brother Lucky 7 Housemates and Star Magic Ball first-timers Kisses Delavin and Marco Gallo, meanwhile, bagged the Cornetto Tip-to-Top (Best Dressed) award, while real life sweethearts Jessy Mendiola and Luis Manzano received the Oppo Couple of the Night award.

In keeping with the tradition, the ball paid tribute to a moving force in the entertainment industry—this year it was Star Creatives’ Chief Operating Officer Malou Santos. The tribute began with MNS (as she was fondly called by many in the company) being serenaded with performances of her favorite songs. KZ and Yeng Constantino led the performance by singing “Betcha By Golly Wow,” while Xian Lim performed “I Started A Joke.” Denise Laurel, Jolina Magdangal and Toni Taus got the crowd grooving with “Dancing Queen,” while Vina Morales and Klarisse de Guzman belted “That’s What Friends Are For.” As if to remind all the guests what mattered, the singers concluded the tribute by performing “What The World Needs Now.”

But, the highlight of the momentous occasion was the surprise recognition for Star Magic’s father, Johnny “Mr. M” Manahan, for his incalculable contribution to the showbiz industry and for his matchless mentoring and support to the Star Magic talents then and now.

As a lover of Broadway musicals and in place of the Rigodon de Honor, Star Magic’s hottest and biggest love teams performed numbers from two of Mr. M’s favorite shows: the 2016 Hollywood film “La La Land” and the world-renowned theater musical “Les Miserables.”

Daniel Padilla ushered in the “La La Land” production number with his rendition of “City of Stars” as his perennial love team Kathryn Bernardo danced to “Someone In The Crowd” along with the G-Force. Liza and Enrique, meanwhile, performed the “Lovely Night” as the other love teams Elmo Magalona and Janella Salvador, McCoy de Leon and Elisse Joson together with Maris Racal and Inigo Pascual continued dancing to “Someone in the Crowd.”

To cap off the tribute, Mr. M, who enjoys gazing and discovering stars figuratively and literally, received a telescope from his Star Magic Babies Claudine Barretto and Kristine Hermosa, while ABS-CBN Chief Content Officer Charo Santos gave a brief speech to honor the man of the hour.

Like MNS, Mr. M also received the Magnum Icon Award for his unquestionable role in the Kapamilya network, in shaping generations of fine performers and in pushing Star Magic to be a frontrunner in the talent management field.

Apart from gathering and honoring the movers and shakers of the local entertainment scene, the Star Magic Ball also became significant after a donation amounting to P 1,000,000 was given to the Bantay Bata Foundation led by the Ultimate Heartthrob Piolo Pascual, in celebration of the organization’s 20th anniversary.

Soon as the formalities are done, DJs Moophs and DJ Tom Taus ushered in the party mood, along with Tarsier Records artists Markus Paterson and Marion Aunor.